An airway management device and method of manufacture

Abstract

An airway management device comprising a body having a proximal end for receiving an oxygen supply tube and an distal end for insertion into a trachea of a patient; said body including a linear portion adjacent to the proximal end and a curved portion adjacent to the distal end; said body including an external shell and having a first bore through said shell for receiving the oxygen supply tube; wherein flexural strength for said airway management device is provided by said shell.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]The invention relates to laryngeal devices, particularly those used for intubation of patients.BACKGROUND[0002]Several existing devices are used for facilitating spontaneous breathing in anaesthetised patients; traditionally, the Endotracheal Tube (ETT) and more recently the Laryngeal Mask Airway (LMA). The majority of these devices use an inflatable cuff(s) to create the anatomical seal and as a consequence there is an incidence of co-morbidity associated with their use; both physiological and anatomical. Subsequent refinement of the LMA has resulted in the development and introduction of supraglottic airway devices (SAD) with gastric drainage (GD). The reported advantages being ease of insertion, haemodynamic stability, decreased morbidity, improved respiratory mechanics and reduced incidence of pulmonary aspiration. An alternative development uses a pre-formed and non-inflatable cuff. Disadvantages of SAD with GD primarily relate to the configuration o...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The invention is a device used for airway management in patients. It is designed to guide a tube into position quickly and easily, without causing trauma or losing oxygen supply. The device has a flexible and stiff structure, made of a soft and elastic material overlaid on a more rigid material. This allows for easy positioning of the tube and ensures its removal without causing any harm to the patient. The device acts as an exoskeleton, protecting the oxygen supply and other devices placed within it. It also provides a moment of inertia for the cross-sectional shape, making it highly stiff. The device can be made using methods that do not require adhesives, using a self-adhesive property of the elastic material. The choice of materials offers superior elastic response and reduced hysteresis. Overall, the invention is a simple yet effective device for airway management.

Problems solved by technology

The majority of these devices use an inflatable cuff(s) to create the anatomical seal and as a consequence there is an incidence of co-morbidity associated with their use; both physiological and anatomical.

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